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Playoff Preview (part one)

4 Mar

Teams with most to prove

Romulus- The Eagles are full of division one talent.  Which has led them to only one loss this year.  Seniors E.C. Matthews, Leo Edwards, and Wes Clark have all had tremendous seasons.  Now they will have to have  put together a deeps state tournament run if they wish to remembered as the best team out of Romulus.  The Eagles start by hosting their own district, will go to Wyandotte if they make the regionals, and in the quarters, will most likely have to play Pershing, their one loss, for the right to make a return to the Breslin Center.

Pershing- The Doughboys have captured a perfect 20-0 record this season.  And looked even more dominant towards the end of the season once 6’8″ junior forward Justin Tillman returned to the lineup.  The Doughboys will be in the Western District where their most likely be a rematch with Cass Tech in the final.  From that, Pershing will go into the Southfield regional where their biggest competition will be a team they just beat pretty handily, U of D Jesuit.  If all goes to plan, Pershing will get their almost annual playoff rematch with Romulus in quarters at Calihan Hall.

Saginaw- The Trojans came into the year with many expectations coming off a 2011-2012 Class A championship.  But this year and last year are totally different.  Saginaw has talent this year, such as Jerry Smith, Keyon Addison, Julian Henderson, and Al Eichelberger just to name a few.  But the problem for Saginaw is that at times they just don’t play together.  For example, in their 30 point loss to Romulus, they had guys throwing half-court inbounds and trying to play one-on-one.  This will have to be cleaned up if Saginaw wishes just to get out of their district.  Yes I said it!  Saginaw might not get out of their district.  In that district is city cross-town rival Arthur Hill.  A team that they split-the season series with.  It all depends on what Saginaw team shows up.  Because if the team that showed up for the Romulus game come out, a defending state champion will not make it to the regionals.

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Unsigned Front Court Players

15 Feb

Unsigned Senior Front Court Players

1. Miroslav Jaskic (Walled Lake Western)- The Canadian transfer is one of the most dominant big men I have ever seen play in the MHSAA.  There is nothing he can’t do on the basketball court from a front court player perspective.  A truly offensive weapon.  He is effective in both the pick-and-roll, and the pick-and-pop.  Some reports have that Duke is looking at him.  Will attend a year of prep school after the season.

2. Kyle Steward (Cass Tech)- Kyle at times can get lost during the course of the game, but when involved he leaves his impact.  The long athletic forward knows how to crash the glass from an offensive perspective, helped by the fact he got the winning tip-in against Southeastern.  So far mid-major schools are showing interest.

3. Romondo Ray (Detroit Western)- Ray might be the rawest big man in the state.  The one thing that I like about his game is if takes a jump shot, he beats defenders who were down low in the post to the ball.  A high energy type of player.  If he finds the right coaches to tweak his game up a little bit, he could be a diamond in the rough.

4. Jerrell Martin (Detroit Community)- Martin fits the definition of a grinder.  A true workhorse on the court.  His main skill is his defensive presence in the paint.  Makes you think twice about putting the ball up.  A nice D2 prospect.

5. Rashawn Walker (Detroit Midtwon Academy)

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Update on D’Andre Johnson of Cass Tech

13 Feb

Interest: Florida Atlantic University.

Visits Upcoming: Florida Atlantic University next weekend.

New Offers: Florida Atlantic offered last week, also Lehigh has offered as well.

Favorites So Far: Florida Atlantic, Lehigh, and St. Bonaventure.

Decision: Right before the state playoffs.  What will go into his decision will not only be basketball, but what the coaching staff has turned players into after their basketball careers are over.

My Notes

D’Andre is a quick point guard who can create offense, period.  Not to many point guards have I seen who have his quick first step.  An absolute beast in transition.  As an up and coming jump shot, but when he is on, he is on.  Also I have to say one of the more toughest point guard defenders in the state.  Willing to take a charge or two.

 

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Update on Authur Hill’s Jalen Adams

11 Feb

Latest Interest: Villanova, Nebraska, and Auburn.

Offers: None

Visits: Waiting until the end of the season.  Needs to finish up tests.

Looking For: Run-and-gun style offense, and a quality education.

Favorites: Villanova, La Salle, and Iowa.

Decision: After the season.

My Report

Jalen would be an absolute steal for any team that can land him.  I would say that he might be the most athletic unsigned senior in the state.  Some reports have him at a 40 inch vertical. Adams has the ability to make a highlight whenever he takes flight.  Once he gains more confidence in his jump shot, it will make him a much more complete player, only making him tougher to guard.

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Update on Arthur Hill’s Eric Davis

11 Feb

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Offers: NC State, Oregon, Massachusetts, MSU, and Iowa State.

Interest From: Kansas, Duke, and Kentucky.

Favorites: Open

Has Visited: NC State, U of M, and MSU.

Looking For: A solid team and strong academics.

My Report

Eric is only sophomore, but the way you watch him play would make you think is a senior.  Eric can break you down and take you to the hole, or pull up and hit the open jump shot.  He is getting stronger, which was evident by the fact that he finished some nice shots at the rim drawing and-ones.  Not to bad a dribbler as well.  Can handle the ball on the break and drop a dime or two.

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Romulus vs. Consortium Recap

6 Feb

The Romulus Eagles survived multiple comeback attempts by the second ranked team in Class C on Tuesday night, Consortium. By the time the fourth quarter started the score was only 40-42 in favor the visiting Romulus Eagles. With the crowd on their side, it looked as if Consortium was going to gain momentum pull of the upset. But this is where the senior leadership of Romulus stepped up. Led by E.C. Matthews and Jalon Plummer, Romulus was able to hit three threes in the first 1:30 of the quarter extending their lead to 51-42. Consortium was not out the game yet. Clawing their way back to being down only three with 4:05 remaining. However, Romulus hit clutch free-throws late in the game to seal the 66-59 hard-fought road victory.

Game Notes

Consortium- As usual, freshman guard Josh Jackson had a marvelous game. Finishing up with 21 points. Being guarded by the always tough defender Wes Clark. But what changed this game for the Cougars is that Vincent Hunter missed eight free-throws. A very rare occurrence for such a talented ball-player like him.

Romulus- Senior forward Leo Edwards contributed with 21 points. Controlling the paint and doing a nice job of team-work with E.C. guarding Consortium senior forward Vince Hunter. Matthews played off-guard for most of the night finished up with 26 points and five three pointers. While fellow senior Wes Clark finished up with 12 points and seven dimes.

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Top Senior Small Forwards

3 Feb

Rankings for the top unsigned senior small forwards in the Detroit Area.

Unsigned Senior Small Forwards

1. Martez Walker (Detroit Pershing)- When Martez gets his jump shot going, it is all over for whoever is checking him.  He can spot up from just about anywhere on the court and use his length to get his shot over any defender.  Already as Iowa and Iowa State offers just to name a few.

2. Jalen Adams (Saginaw Arthur Hill)- Come to Arthur Hill’s games and you would think you are at an air show.  A tremendous athlete with great bounce and athleticism.  A solid mid-major prospect.

3. Jalon Plummer (Romulus)- We all know about Wes Clark and E.C. Matthews, but Jalon is the x factor for Romulus as we move towards the playoffs.  Deadly when he gets his feet set from the three point line.  Also a willing offensive rebounder for the Eagles.

4. Tarron Ramsey (Melvindale ABT)- Tarron plays much more like a power forward compared to a small forward because of the fact he is one of the biggest players the Gators have.  Regardless, he has a strong body to hang down low with the big boys in order to get rebounds.

5. Julian Henderson (Saginaw)- For the defending Class A state champions Saginaw, Julian is the purest scorer they have.  Has the ability to put a team on his back in order the get a win.

Unsigned Combo Guard Rankings

26 Jan

In continuation of the unsigned senior point guard rankings, here are my rankings of the unsigned combo guards.  Combo meaning they can shoot and pass the rock.

Unsigned Senior Combo Guards Rankings

1. Clark Bishop (Detroit Renaissance)- Four year starter for the Phoenix.  Has the ability to take a game over at any moment.  A member of the 1,000 point club in high school.  Also a hard-nosed defender.

2. Andrew Horde (U of D Jesuit)- A.J. may not be tall in stature, but is tall in heart.  One strength of Horde’s game is his ability to shoot over taller defenders.  Whether he is behind the three-point line or driving to the basket.

3. Darius Bean (Chandler Park Academy)- Tall, silky smooth athlete with great penetrating abilities.  Excels in transition.  Compliments Michigan commit point guard Derrick Walton nicely.

4. Sam McClendon (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s)- There is nothing that Sam can’t do on the offensive side of the ball.  Has nice size and strength to compete at the next level.

5. Ali Farhat (Dearborn)- Ali is also quite a football star for Dearborn.  But on the hardwood, he is not bad as well.  So far he is 28 points per game for the Pioneers.  A strength of his is the way he can take defenders off the dribble to the hole.

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Unsigned Senior Point Guard Rankings

23 Jan

My ultimate goal here at Metro Detroit High School Athletics is to get athletes noticed in order to play at the next level.  And in order to accomplish this goal, I have decided to do something special.  Today and the next few days, I will do my mid-season rankings of high school basketball players in the Metro Detroit.  Today I will be starting with unsigned senior point guards.

Senior Point Guard Rankings

1. D’Andre Johnson (Detroit Cass Tech)- Quick guard who plays with a high basketball IQ.  Also a tenacious defender, who will step up and take a charge when needed.

2. Lorenzo Bonam (Dearborn Heights Robichaud)- A 6’4″ point guard who can finish around the rim with either hand, has an up and coming jump shot.

3. Jarod Jones (Pontiac)- If you want some highlights and some athleticism, you should have Mr. Jones on your team.  A true athlete who can attack the basket.

4. Ramel Robinson (Detroit Community)- Not the biggest of guards, but can still find openings in the defense either to pass or create for himself.

5. Jeff Greer (Southfield)- Do not let size fool you on Jeff, the kid can play.  He excels in the open court.  A solid passer for the Southfield Blue Jays.  Contains a variety of ways to get to the rack.

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The 3rd Annual MLK Freedom Games Preview

18 Jan

The Horatio Williams Foundation once again this year has filled up a whole slate of great high school basketball action.  The Schedule goes as follows: 1:00 Warren Fitzgerald vs. Troy High, 1:45 Southeastern vs. Detroit Community, 3:30 Detroit Cass Tech vs. Walled Lake Western, 5:00 Frederick Douglass vs. Warren De La Salle, 6:30 Renaissance vs. Ann Arbor Huron, 8:30 Flint Beecher vs. Detroit Pershing.  Here are some games to I have circled.

Cass Tech vs. Walled Lake Western: Walled Lake Western has one of the most dominant centers in the state in Miroslav Jaksic.  Reports have shown that one of the schools interested in him is Duke.  And for Cass, I know they are a football school, but this year they have a good hoop squad.  The triumvirate of D’Andre Johnson, DeAngelo Stewart, and Kyle Steward may be the best in the state.

Frederick Douglass vs. Warren De La Salle: The Purple Pilots have one of the best juniors in the state in A.J. Turner, who previously picked up an Iowa State offer a few weeks ago.  Douglass on the other hand has a very good junior combo guard as well in Darrell Davis.  Look for this game to be a dog fight.

Flint Beecher vs. Detroit Pershing: The defending Class C champions Beecher take on perennial Class A power Pershing, in what should be a great game.  Beecher is led by Iowa State signee Monte Morris, a two time Class C player of the year, and will be matched up against Oakland bound point guard Kahlil Felder of Pershing.  If Monte’s supporting cast can contain the likes of Martez Walker and Dwayne Embry, Beecher has a chance to take a win back to BucTown.

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